Experience

Sussex Chamber of Commerce.

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Executive

  • May 2014 - Present

  Sussex Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organisation. We provide practical business support, free and discounted services, networking, training, and help represent business issues in government. Our aim is to improve the economic environment within which our Sussex members operate. Membership protects your business, saves you and makes you money. Sussex Chamber of Commerce is a business membership organisation. We provide practical business support, free and discounted services, networking, training, and help represent business issues in government. Our aim is to improve the economic environment within which our Sussex members operate. Membership protects your business, saves you and makes you money.



Fisher Clinical Services (Bio Pharma Services Division of Thermo Fisher Scientific)

• Team Leader Packaging Client Services

  • Mar 2012 - Dec 2013

  • Leadership and workload allocation of a team of 10 project managers in a matrix organisation, to provide packaging project management and supply chain solutions to customers in the clinical trial industry.• Managed client relationships where professionalism, quality and understanding of financial planning were critical to the success of the business. Built relationships with key stakeholders to improve communication lines and escalation routes. • Ownership of performance management, appraisals, absence and disciplinary issues for the team.• Through the use of internal metrics and dashboards, ensured projects were delivered on time, service level agreements met and performance measured and improved upon.Key Achievements:- • Developed and supported transformational change plans by re-structuring the department. Introduced more efficient processes to save time and created strong cohesive teams by improving performance and communication, all whilst adhering to GMP (good manufacturing practice) and GCP (good clinical practice) requirements. Revenue targets in 2013 exceeded previous years.• Used lean methodology and practical process improvement tools to improve operational processes, quality and efficiency for all key stakeholders.• Initiated and developed a new hire induction training plan which was implemented globally.• Developed a work allocation tool for capacity planning to allocate work fairly.



British Deputy High Commission, (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)

• Entry Clearance Officer

  • Feb 2010 - Dec 2011

  • Implemented fast and fair decisions in the assessment of applications for entry clearance using data analysis, to protect the UK border and to abide by the immigration rules and law. • Built customer relationships with global businesses to effectively communicate changes in legislation.Key Achievements:-• Reliably met and exceeded demanding targets, whilst working under pressure.

• Project Manager

  • Apr 2009 - Feb 2010

  • With a budget of £150,000, project managed the build and fit out of a social club and gym for the British Deputy High Commission, whilst adhering to strict UK Health & Safety regulations and local compliance.• Instigated sales and marketing activities to promote the club and established a club committee, operational procedures, policies, a code of conduct as well as a membership structure. Key Achievements:-• Project managed the build and fit out of a social club and gym on time and within budget. Collaborated with a team of contractors, displaying an ability to explain requirements and expectations whilst dealing with cultural differences.



British Council, India

• 1 - 100 Employee

• English Language Teacher, (part time - weekends)

  • Apr 2009 - Aug 2011

  • Planned, prepared and conducted lessons and activities, taking into account classroom management, course and lesson planning, subject knowledge, and understanding the learners. • Planned, prepared and conducted lessons and activities, taking into account classroom management, course and lesson planning, subject knowledge, and understanding the learners.



Q2 HR Solutions

• Philippines
• Human Resources Services
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Executive Vice President and Management Consultant

  • Feb 2006 - Feb 2009

  Q2 Search Inc is an HR outsourcing and executive recruitment firm in the Philippines. • Oversaw the management of the business on behalf of the owners. Accountable for a turnover of over £2m and the management of over 70 staff in 4 offices, with 10 direct reports. • Monitored all profit and loss accounts and the financial management of the business to ensure profit margins were achieved.• Developed and conducted company presentations to large audiences including the British, European and American Chambers of Commerce. • Analysed strategic market developments to increase the company’s profile and establish new business. Handled new client contract negotiations and discussions.Key Achievements:-• Delivered leadership and vision by introducing a strategic planning process to develop the management team, align objectives and deliver results to all key stakeholders.• Initiated programs, workshops and seminars to improve channels of communication, staff morale, motivation and performance, which led to the accreditation of UK Investors in People award (a people management standard). Enhanced business results were seen, along with a decrease in staff turnover.



London Aquarium, UK

• General Manager

  • Mar 2000 - Jul 2005

  One of the top 10 London tourist attractions located in County Hall attracting over 1million day time visitors every year as well as corporate clients for evening events. • Operational and financial management of the attraction with a turnover of over £10m, 55 staff including 7 direct reports. Responsible for the delivery of exceptional customer services for general visitors, educational groups, corporate events and filming to maximise profitability. Accountable for the facilities management and health and safety of the attraction.Key Achievements:-• Instrumental in the design and implementation of a concise sales and marketing strategy to reposition the attraction and increase annual turnover by 12% to over £10m and increase visitors by over 10% to over 1 million visitors.• Managed capital expenditure projects of over £250,000 on time and within budget.



Whitbread Plc and Marriott Hotels

• Various

  • Apr 1994 - Feb 2000



Sri Lankan Airlines and Air UK ltd

• Various

  • Nov 1987 - Apr 1994